Another year, another roundup of Oktoberfests from guest blogger and friend James Wayman. Folks, he is nothing if he isn’t thorough. Take it away, James!
After realizing the amount of alcohol I had been drinking last Spring; I put a pause on and stopped buying beer to keep at home. Aside from some gifted to me, I did not keep beer here, and instead was hoping to maximize enjoyment for the one or two beers I might have while out with friends or playing with the bands.
After recognizing that I didn’t have a real problem with alcohol, I have decided to press forward for my third year of Oktoberfest reviews. I really enjoy this style of beer, and look forward to the many options that become available to celebrate the German tradition. Though many domestic and independent brewers do not honor the original Reinheitsgebot, standards or any set forth from the Club of Munich Brewers… I have previously enjoyed just how crafty these independents can be in crafting Marzens, Lagers, and other Festbier styles to fulfill their vision of a German festival beer.
Thurs., Aug. 31, 2023 – Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Festbier – 12 oz can.
Something about this can caught my eye as I drew together a pick-six at the local Binny’s. The pour yielded a balanced body and a nice foam head. There seems to be a light caramel smell as I look into a liquid that isn’t quite yellow or orange, but darker than these usual tints. Mouthfeel on this is excellent, but this makes a sharp piney impression at the start of the sip and concludes with a slightly bitter bready quality. As a one-off, this wasn’t a particularly easy drinker… but I feel that a person could train themselves to really enjoy this beer edition after a few sessions. I was hoping for something slightly sweeter and less piney; but enjoyed it anyway. For the first one in this round, I feel we’re off to a decent start.
Sat., Sept. 2, 2023 – Founders Oktoberfest German-Style Marzen – 12 oz can.
Apparently, I wanted to clear my cans first; as I dig into the other canned entry and leave a few bottles to try later. Love the Germanic fonts, colors, and classic Euro-building art on the can… and this would have been a favorite among my childhood friends’ beer can collections. This one poured very lightly, but foamed hard even as I aimed to the glass edge instead of the pool. Nearly as quickly, the foam dissipated and revealed a dark brown color. The nose was a little biscuit-y; but the initial taste was heavily carbonated malt that felt more like a soda than a beer. A few sips in and the color began to lighten to a nice copper tint. As for the beer, the taste is either incredibly subtle or I just was expecting more flavor. It felt more like an out-of-date amber lager than a fresh marzen. It didn’t offend, but didn’t really make a point of distinction. Probably would’ve been just as happy with a cold Michelob Ultra when it was said and done.
Mon., Sept. 4, 2023 – Bell’s Octoberfest Beer – 12 oz bottle
Pouring gently from bottle to glass, the foam head faded quickly yielding a darker copper liquid. The nose on this felt a bit hoppy, and the taste didn’t have the hard pine-y quality its smell might suggest. This had a good mouthfeel, and finished crisply with a little touch of carbonation at the end. Feels like a well-crafted beer made of good ingredients. This has a little weight, making this more of a treat than a regular drinker. Each sip getting progressively better. I genuinely enjoyed this one.
Thurs., Sept. 7, 2023 – Kishwaukee Brewing Co. [Seasonal Series] Oktoberfest – 12 oz. bottle
Probably one of the closest local brews to me, and I’ve struck out on nearly everything I’ve had from them. But each Oktoberfest season is a chance to start over and reassess things. Kishwaukee Brewing is getting another chance to make a decent impression. Poured nicely from bottle to glass, forming a nice foam head, and a dark golden color. The nose feels a bit hoppy, but the taste is a little dry and malty with a slightly savory aftertaste. I will say this is a well-crafted beer, but the flavor profile is a mismatch for me. In this instance, I was hoping for a little sweetness to balance the heftiness of the taste. Perhaps, something that had more biscuit-y or bread-like qualities. I will own that perhaps there is a sophistication here that I just don’t possess. Somewhere, there is a cult of Crystal Lake Garfield Liquor employees who love Kishwaukee Brewing and wonder how everyone else is missing out.
Sun., Sept. 10, 2023 – Weihenstephaner Festbier – 12 oz. bottle
Mon., Sept. 11, 2023 – Cruz Blanca Das Bueno Oktoberfest Lager – 12 oz. can
Again, taking a moment to admire the potential creativity some crafting companies display when taking on a new style. One thing I’ve appreciated about Cruz’s other entries is that they are crisp, light, and particularly refreshing when served at cold temperatures. The pour gave a nice latticed foam head, which yielded another light copper colored entry. This one has some surprising heft, and despite the cerveza lens that this may have been brewed through, tastes amazingly good. I’m having a flashback to a particularly tasty Sam Adams Oktoberfest lager I had in the first season that I really enjoyed though felt wasn’t quite part of the breed. The Cruz Blanca is a very easy drinker in comparison to some of the heftier mixes; but in comparison to other Cruz offerings it has a noticeable heft of its own. Though purists may scoff, I honestly think we have a new leader for now. Only the Ayinger (that I don’t count in these capsules) has been better so far.
Sometimes I wonder if I put too much pressure on drinking the beer without a snack or during a meal. As I poured this one, I could sense some heft. It was colored a bit lighter than most of the other ones I’ve tried, and the foam had plenty of trace despite dissipating quickly. This had some serious skunkiness to it, but it also had a great mouthfeel and a slightly creamy quality to it. Still the skunk overwhelmed any other flavor, and felt flashbacks to the Heineken and Moosehead beers from the green bottles I used to drink in college with similar effect. However, I noticed that people go to dairy to offset the burn of pepper-y spice; and that this Festbier probably was meant to offset the salty qualities of Oktoberfest staples such as pretzels and sausages. After finishing nearly half the glass on its own, I decided to grab a handful of pretzels and try again. Without the salt, this is middling; but after the pretzels, I found myself enjoying this a bit more. I have been spoiled by the many beers in this style that drink fine on their own; but also feel pretty smart for unlocking the taste profile for Weihenstephaner in realizing it is more a chaser. Not the worst I’ve had in either direction, but at least you now have a survival guide if someone only brings this to your party.
Wed., Sept 13, 2023 – Alesmith Oktoberfest Marzen Lager – 12 oz. can
Another nice healthy pour leading to a lacing foam head and a clear amber liquid beneath. Some nice heft and a bready scent as well as a creamy mouthfeel and a subtle, slightly malt-forward taste. Ice cold, this just slams. I really really like this one a lot, and wish this were a year-round option. Good carbonation and a smooth beer with little aftertaste. If I have any complaint, it is that this one’s taste profile leans toward subtle and I’m not sure I would’ve identified this as being a marzen-styled beer unless I had seen the can before pouring. This is more what I wish a Killian’s Red or a Beck’s would taste like. Still I can’t wait to try this one again, possibly the Oktoberfest beer for people who don’t normally care for Oktoberfest styles.
Fri., Sept 15, 2023 – Sam Adams Oktoberfest – 22 oz draft
One advantage of draft over bottle is just the ability to get it so cold. Ended up having dinner with Laurie at Brandt’s in Palatine, and opted to review the draft, rather than a stray bottle I’d end up with in a future mixed-6. Did I mention how cold it was, and how much better this was because of how cold it was. Great orange color, reasonable foam head, and a bread-y smell. The sips went down crisply and quickly. If I hadn’t been driving, I would’ve had another.
Sun., Sept 17, 2023, Sew Hop’d Oktoberfest German Styled Marzen Beer – 16 oz. can
On my way home from my Saturday gig, I was able to make a quick stop into Sew Hop’d in Huntley, and grabbed a 4 pack of their seasonal Oktoberfest beer, while they had their outdoor festivities happening outside. Brownish-orange coloring with a very malty quality. I am enjoying this much more than I remembered enjoying previous ones. Good creamy mouthfeel, and an aftertaste that resembles pumpernickel bread. Those 4 extra ounces were a treat as well, as I’ve been doing mostly cans or bottles on this run.
Wed., Sept. 20, 2023, Great Lakes Oktoberfest Marzen Style Lager – 12 oz. can
Had to check that I didn’t get a can from last year. This poured a little thick and smelled and tasted of sour malt. It could have used a little more carbonation as well. Tasted more like 2×4’s than anything normally edible. At least it was cold.
Thurs., Sept. 21, 2023, Goose Island Oktoberfest German-Style Marzen – 12 oz. can
After a long day, I decided to pour a cold one and get back to this list. This one is a little blonder than I would think with some hops in its aroma. I like the crispness of this and the biscuit-y flavor at the front of the sip. The chemical aftertaste with a little bitterness and a little grassy quality didn’t finish as smoothly. That said, I think this could become an easy regular drinker for anyone with a slightly more sophisticated palate than me. On the first taste it was a little off-putting, but think repetition could dull that edge.
Fri., Sept. 22, 2023, Eagle Park Brewing Company M.C. Hammerschlagen Oktoberfest Style Lager – 12 oz. can
Retiring for the night, decided on some calmer music and a beer. I remember the can design from last year’s round up, and hoping the moderation I’d been taking may surprise my expectations. Poured into a dark caramel color with a decent lacing foamhead with a smell that is a little like rye bread and freshly mown grass. It drinks a little bread-y with notes of unsweetened chocolate and malt. It has a little snap to it, but I am wishing this to be a little sweeter and a little crisper. The baking chocolate quality is throwing me a bit, as it tastes a bit heftier like other entries, but the overall taste is a little lacking. A little heavy to be a regular drinker, but not really special enough to be more than a once-in-a-season indulgence.
Sat., Sept 23, 2023, Pollyanna Oktoberfest – 20 oz. draft
Wrapping up an evening of music, I grabbed an Oktoberfest from the venue as we broke down. This was good and cold, but for the most part had a dryer malty taste. Color and foam were right, and the style was in the range. Still thought this was a little more malty than bready, but at the end of the night it could have been much worse.
Sat., Sept 23, 2023, Destihl Brewery, Marzen Oktoberfest – 12 oz. can
Decided when I got home to have another and some music before bed. Broke out this last can from a mixed six and poured out a nice full-bodied dark caramel colored glass of goodness. It really smelled great, like a biscuit with a little honey and butter. On the sip, it went down incredibly crisp yet smooth. Unfortunately, it left a somewhat soapy aftertaste. The start of the next sip wipes it away with satisfaction, but then leaves that same weird aftertaste. Unfortunately, I’m out of salty snacks so there wasn’t anything to break that sticky aftertaste. If it had stuck the landing, this would be top 5… but having a feeling of filmy afterbeer reduced my enjoyment of this.
Sun., Sept. 24, 2023, Mad King Oktoberfest Lager – 16 oz. draft
Was out for a beautiful Sunday evening meal with Laurie at Emmett’s Brewing Co. in Palatine when I decided to give this a try. This was a darker gold color with a full and bitter taste. It actually was very refreshing, but felt a bit heavy for my chicken sandwich. I likely would’ve enjoyed this one more if I had not incorporated it into a meal.
Tues., Sept. 26, 2023, Avery Brewing Company, The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest-Lager [Limited Release] – 12 oz. can
Was looking to put together a mixed-six of Oktoberfest options at Binny’s in McHenry, and realizing there weren’t 6 unique options left in the category on those shelves. I looked quickly at what was still on their Oktoberfest display, and started asking one of the guys questions about the various 4 and 6 pack options available. He mentioned that this was the first time the Kaiser had been available since 2019 and that it was his overall favorite. Brought it home and gave it a day to chill. Just popped open a can and poured some creamy goodness into a glass and admiring the foam-head and caramel color. It smells a little of caramel and wheat bread. But the taste completely lived up to the Binny guy’s recommendation. Full biscuit-y beer taste with great mouthfeel and a satisfying heft to it. Some floral notes and a slight sweetness give way to a heavier malt finish. I really enjoyed this one.
Thurs., Sept. 28, 2023, Lakefront Brewery, Oktoberfest Marzen Lager – 12 oz. can
Popped the tab and started pouring and this was flowing a bit like grandpa’s beer. The smell was like a slight Stroh’s flashback in the moment. Poured a nice foam head and a darker caramel color. This is a little heavy and tastes a little plant-like. Slightly bitter with a floral aftertaste, while still revealing notes of a robust sourdough or whole grain style bread. I could definitely get accustomed to this beer over time, but for the first time in about a year, the aftertaste is throwing me. Wishing it was a little closer to sweet than bitter on its taste profile; but recognize this is still a pretty decent balance that is appropriate to the style and category of the season.
Sat., Sept. 30, 2023, Cobb’s Oktoberfest – 24 oz. draft
Laurie and I headed out to meet friends at D.C. Cobb’s in McHenry (built into the movie theater I worked at in high school through my early years of teaching). Was surprised to see Cobb’s had their own lines of beer, and decided to try the Oktoberfest. It arrived in a glorious orangish-amber with a very thin foam line. Smelled strongly of the malts. The taste though felt like old stale graham crackers were crushed to powder and mixed into the mash beforehand. It was heavy and clumsy with an intensely bitter taste that grew slightly sour in aftertaste. I like the idea of a sweeter cracker or cookie providing a hint to the beer’s taste, but in this instance it just complicated things.
Mon., Oct. 2, 2023, Scorched Earth Oktoberfest German Style Lager – 16 oz can
Finally was able to drop into Scorched Earth in Algonquin, and this time was able to pick up a 4-pack of their unique Oktoberfest. The only ones I look forward to more are Foxtown (Mequon) and Ayinger. This one poured smoothly into the glass, and came up golden and foamy. A noticeable malt smell. The taste is a little more bitter than I remembered it. It leads with the malt and then ends with an earthy quality. No mistake that this is good beer, but I think Sew Hop’d finally caught up to it and maybe has overtaken it. The bitterness is really throwing me.
Wed., Oct. 4, 2023, Shiner Seasonal Okoberfest Marzen Style Beer – 12 oz bottle
Had some heartbreak about missing out on the Holzlager Oktoberfest this year, so home to commiserate with this national entry. This one spurred positive memories about past encounters, and the amber-copper pour and foaming head with a sweet malt smell worked to turn my frown upside-down. The taste is a slightly sweeter malty offering with decent mouthfeel and a slightly sour aftertaste. I am enjoying this, but not remembering this aftertaste which is a bit more dramatic than I’d remembered in seasons past. This does feel heavier than I remember it, but there is still something very satisfying about it all.
Thurs., Oct. 5, 2023, Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest – 12 oz. bottle
There is usually a reason why my Leinenkugel beers often occupy the back of my fridge. While I love the places Leinenkugel’s chooses to follow (particularly into the Shandy and Berry Weiss styles); every time I drink their beer, I tend to get a stomach ache. To fill the mix-six, I did end up with the Leine’s Oktoberfest entry. Popping the bottle open, the foam rushed out the top like I struck oil. By the time I finished pouring, the beer got flat and heavy. It tastes like grandpa’s special occasion beer. A little darker and heavier, but something that is only out-pungented by cigars. Tried to approach this with an open mind, but this entry is doing little to change my feelings. I may have enjoyed an iced tea made of dandelions and mown grass a bit more than this. I couldn’t even finish it.
Sun., Oct. 8, 2023, Third Space Brewing Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager – 12 oz. can
Was able to stop in a suburban liquor superstore near Milwaukee prior to a gig on Friday night. My target was to try to secure some Foxtown Oktoberfest, but was informed by the salesclerk that they had sold through their supply of it before September 1. Like my second year Ayinger experience, I need to start marking the calendar for these beers. Anyway, I ended up picking up some Wisconsin-brewed Oktoberfest options instead… joking with the same clerk that my choices follow that “Say you are not from Wisconsin without saying you are not from Wisconsin” meme construct. One of these options (the other two are coming…) is this Third Space entry. There was a pleasant caramel color and decent foamhead on the pour. The smell was malty, and the mouthfeel was a bit creamy in comparison to most of the beers I’ve tried. Served cold, this is pretty good and not too heavy to be a regular drinker. In terms of taste, there are notes of dark bread and malts with an earthy element to it. It is a little more sophisticated taste-wise than I’m used to, but unlike entries like last year’s Metropolitan or Left Hand options, I did enjoy this one.
Tues., Oct. 10, 2023, New Glarus Staghorn Oktoberfest – 12 oz. bottle
Another quick six picked up at Total Wine in Greenfield, WI, before the casino gig. Hadn’t even unloaded it out of the car before people were wanting in on this bottle pack. Though listed as an Oktoberfest, this poured like an amber. This sweet-smelling beer did foam up nicely and sat with noticeable heft in the glass. On the taste I am catching roasted malts with a bit of spice. It is a bit heavier than I’d anticipated, but finishes with a sweet aftertaste. I like it, but would quibble that this is more of a cold-weather beer overall than an Oktoberfest, and marketed as a red lager or an amber that people would enjoy this just as much in February as they do in the late weeks of September.
Thurs., Oct. 12, 2023, Firestone Walker Brewing Company Oaktoberfest, Oak Aged Lager – 12 oz can
This was a beer that left a fond memory in last year’s run, and it felt like an old friend on first sip. Rich woody notes with a biscuit-y aftertaste. Might be a little heavy to be a regular drinker, but it’s a real treat for the kind of work day I had today. Great for one beer (especially after a day or two of not having one), but likely some diminishing returns if this were a more frequent tipple for me.
Sat., Oct. 14, 2023, Spiteful Brewing Company, Oktoberfest Marzen Style – 16 oz. can
The can’s call to action (Caramel, Biscuit, Prost) suggests that this one may have been made for me. Pouring in a less foamy copper color; the overwhelming smell and taste I’m getting on this is apple juice with a little bit of malt. Almost as if someone mixed a little apple juice into the beer, or if someone was originally experimenting with a cider drink before settling here. I cannot complain about the crispness nor the sweetness, but it is an unusual sensation. I do like it, but now wishing it was a little heftier with more noticeable biscuits notes. Of course, I also get the feeling that if I actually tried to create a beer in this style, only I would want to try it…
Mon., Oct. 16, 2023, Hofbrauhaus Freising Festbier Golden Lager – 12 oz. bottle
This was a stray that found its way into a mixed 6 at Binny’s. The Festbier is the only designation (as is the branding) that may tie this into the Oktoberfest theme. Though very carbonated on the open (be ready to drink or pour the second the cap comes off, or you will have a foamy mess beneath the bottle). This is a bit lighter in color as well as in viscosity. Still this went down too easily. Had finished more than two-thirds of it before starting this sentence. Crisp, mellow, malty, and with a slight sweetness followed by a slightly hoppy aftertaste. I struggle to compare this to any of the other marzens, but as a Lager, this was incredibly tasty and it might be easy to lose a few bottles of this during a regular session.
Tues., Oct. 17, 2023, O’Dell Brewing Co, Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager – 12 oz. can
The can design brought back a memory, and it was one of the few remaining Oktoberfests available for a mixed 6 at Binny’s, so I decided to engage in self-fulfilling deja vu. Felt this landed in the middle last year, and on first sip it feels like the 2023 edition may do the same. I do like the amber color and the level of carbonation. This also has decent mouthfeel with noticeable heft, but not coffee-stout level heaviness. In terms of taste, it is relatively inoffensive. Scent is a little bready, but the taste seems to bring forward the malt and a smooth but slightly herbal hop qualities. I can’t say it’s remarkable, but I can say it’s good. In a deeper dive of the style, this could get lost; but in a thin field it can really be appreciated… like a great 6th man on an NBA team, or that unflappable defensive replacement for a playoff bound baseball team.
Thurs., Oct. 19, 2023, Warsteiner Das Einzig Wahre, Oktoberfest – 12 oz bottle
The skunk is strong on this one as the cap flipped and the foam rose. This is a classic long-standing beer of the era, and thankfully the taste is not as strong as the smell. It does have some Grandpa’s beer qualities, but will also say it is a very crisp and balanced entry. Different from the others, but not bad. I kind of feel like they are forced to follow tradition on this one, and as such have to hope the legacy offsets any desire for a beer that matches up more closely with modern entries. That said, I can dig the idea of comfort beer, and of some people expecting a home base to start the season before getting out and into the more radical entries in this sector.
Fri., Oct. 20, 2023, Spaten Oktoberfest Ur Marzen – 12 oz. bottle
One of the disappointments of the imported legacy beers has been the continuation of the skunk-ish odor that I remembered more from the green bottles of Moosehead and Heineken that I drank in college. I tried to enjoy them then, but realized that I needed something tamer on the nose before I could develop the ability to drink them without wincing at the smell. This Spaten was nearly as skunky as when I had to get an undercarriage wash on my car after running one over… no cap. It has wiped out any other potential part of the scent profile; and only having a few entries with this quality has given me some hesitation going in. It is crisp as any of the beers covered in these capsules. A very nice carbonated feel that isn’t too heavy. The flavor retains some malt and floral hop notes to go with the skunkiness. There is a a bit of a Grandpa’s beer quality to this, but I’m nearly the age of my younger grandfather when I had first watched him drink beer like Olympia, Coy, or Drewry’s (which is now brewed in McHenry of all places?!). So maybe I am starting to graduate to the ‘finer’ things of the adult life such as Grandpa beer. A lot better than I thought it might be.
Mon., Oct. 23, 2023, Noon Whistle Brewing Co. Festbier Euro Lager – 12 oz. can
An interesting entry I got as part of a mixed 6. One of the nicest pours yet, a very satisfying mix of amber and foam. This has a malty scent but a very bitter taste profile. Still ice cold and fairly crisp in terms of carbonation it goes down fairly easily. It is bitter on the approach and leaves a slightly grassy-hoppy aftertaste. A bit strong on its own, I’m imagining this would go great with a salted pretzel or a heavily processed bit of meat.
Tues., Oct. 24, 2023, Mobcraft Brewing, Mobtoberfest Oktoberfest Style Lager – 12 oz. can
Another random in the mixed 6 from last time. Have not had a ton of success with Mobcraft, despite their growth in the business incubator near the Woodstock Square. This entry poured a dark brown with a slight bit of foam. The scent features a bit of malt with slight notes of maple syrup. The taste leads with a sweeter syrupy quality, and then finishes a little nutty, woody, or even tree-bark like. There is also a slight bit of a coffee aftertaste on this, which I had encountered in their stouts last Spring. I am defeated on this one, definitely not my jam.
Thurs., Oct. 26, 2023, Haymarket Beer Co., Fest Bier, German-Style Lager – 12 oz. can
Smelled like graham crackers and hops going into the glass with a nice copper color and smooth layer of foam. Though I recognized the can from last year, I didn’t let it phase me as I hit the bottom layer of another pick 6. Overall this is kind of odd, but not unpleasant. Thinking this also may have benefited from some sort of salty companion. Definitely can taste the malt, some notes of spiced hops, and some quite subtly some sort of dried fruit (plum or cherry maybe?) within the aftertaste. I didn’t remember liking this one much last year; but this year, it is all right. Probably something that if pulled fresh from the taps could be quite enjoyable in comparison to these sips after it had been trapped in aluminum for a few months.
Mon., Oct 30, 2023, Victory Festbier, Marzen-Style Lager – 12 oz. bottle
This is one of the last of the unique Oktoberfests I have yet to try this season. A promising pour with a color that was darker than I expected and an unmistakably beery-beer smell. The taste is very dry malty with slightly earthy hops. It has a decent heft, but this one also had a little sediment that weirded me out a little. To be fair, this would taste weirder if it were to be sweeter. I’m hoping to encounter a couple more entries before closing the book on the 2023 season, but this one decent and not a bad way to end if it goes that way.
Tues., Oct 31, 2023, Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen – 12 oz. bottle
A bit darker and a bit maltier than I remembered this. My deja vu had made me think that I’d had this already this season… but it must have been last year. This one also has a little coffee-ish quality about it that is preventing full enjoyment. I genuinely enjoy the regular Hacker Pschorr offering; but this Oktoberfest is a little heavy and and a little too earthy for me. Only a couple left in the fridge before the 2023 season is in the books.
Sun., Nov. 5, 2023 – Third Space Oktoberfest, Marzen-Style Lager – 12 oz can
(Second Impression) – Popped open this bad boy to close out a mellow Sunday, and I am genuinely impressed. Had a few small pretzels for a snack and took my first sip of this and it was as good as I could hope for. The beer itself has a decent heft and a slightly creamy mouthfeel; with malt and biscuit-y notes. It countered the salt nicely, and wasn’t too sweet or too bitter, but pleasantly malty. No mistaking this for a beer, but just overall a really nice experience. I am almost out of Oktoberfest options overall, but glad I bought a 12-pack of this one.
Wed., Nov. 8, 2023 – Paulaner Munchen, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier – 12 oz. bottle
A crisp, well-carbonated beer with a malt-forward flavor. Not quite as hefty as most of the others, and fairly easy drinking. To me it is a little bitter to almost sour, in terms of aftertaste. I am not sure what makes this special beyond meeting the Reinheitsgebot standard. I wonder if I could pick it out in a blind taste test with an entry like Kishwaukee’s lager or pilsner; which is a little frustrating given how much respect Paulaner gets for its Oktoberfest entries.
Sat., Nov.11, 2023 – Capital Brewing Company Seasonal Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager – 12 oz. bottle
The last of my Wisconsin purchases is this Madison entry. Somewhat fitting as I spent yesterday’s day off tooling around Madison. It is really turning into a big city with the Beltway traffic pulling people from north and south to the west and people from the west into downtown and northeastern parts of Madison. I could actually see Madison becoming bigger than Milwaukee in the next 20 years at the present rate. But my memories of what Madison was and how it is now are not as much at issue as sitting down with an afternoon pop before my gig tonight. This ice cold bottle poured a nice foamy orange into the glass and had a fruity hop scent note. The first sip was quite crisp and refreshing. I like that this is a bit sweeter than most of the other entries, but its heft isn’t lost in the carbonation. This was what I was hoping the Leinenkugel or the Distihl entries would lean toward. In addition to the sweetness, I am finding joy in the crisp and clean aftertaste. (Note to self, this is a lot of crisps in a single capsule…) I do think this beer has different characteristics depending on its temperature. I can see the malts getting less fruity and more sour as it warms and that aftertaste getting a little more complex. In its simpler coldest form, this is quite good.
Wed., Nov. 29, 2023 – Old Irving Brewing Oktoberfest Marzen Lager – 16 oz can
I was smelling coffee on the pour, and it looked awful dark and foamy. Was concerned about it, but that first sip was DELICIOUS! Nice heft, creamy malt flavor with slightly bready notes; and a definitive finish that is beer-like without feeling old or stale. This was one of several options I got from a close friend, just before Thanksgiving; and though it meant going into overtime to complete this year’s round-up. That said, if the rest are comparable to this quality; it well be well worth it and a winning way to end this Oktoberfest season…
Fri., Dec. 1, 2023 – Temperance Beer Co., Oktoberfest Marzen Lager – 16 oz. can
Was kind of thrown by the call to action on the side of the can as I was pouring this… malt body; crisp finish; sunny autumn days. Though I associate Oktoberfest with colder days, earlier nights, and plenty of activity as we adjust to life in the fourth quarter of the year; I could just as easily see this as a welcome part of watching an afternoon football game or completing outdoor chores in the cooler weather. This came in the same batch as the Old Irving; and definitely as much a treat. This one also had a decent heft, a good mouthfeel, and a pretty clean finish. Could taste the malt and smell a biscuit-y quality; but there was something a bit fuller in the finish. I really enjoyed this one, but not quite as much as I liked the OIB.
Sat., Dec 2, 2023 – Half Acre Lager Town Oktoberfest – 16 oz. can
I could swear I’d had this one very early in the season, but it appears my rundown does not include it (at least among this year’s entries). This is a darker and oddly carbonated mixture. It tastes a little grainier than most of what I’ve had so far. It finishes with a strong bitter floral note that just isn’t agreeing with me. I imagine a veteran of the hopped-up beer wars taking this in stride without flinching; but it really is harsh to me. I’ve liked other Half Acre options, but a little disappointed by this.
Mon., Dec 4, 2023 – Shortfuse 1872 Oktoberfest Lager – 16 oz. can
Poured with a nice heft to fill the glass with a copper goodness and a healthy lacy foamhead. Ice cold, this beer is really good, but started noticing faults as it gradually adapted to the room. (College Me would say I didn’t drink it fast enough.) This is a high quality good tasting beer; but gradually gets earthier and hoppier as it gets closer to room temperature. It just does come as two different taste experiences depending on serving temperature.
Wed., Dec. 6, 2023 – Solemn Oath Oktoberfest American-style Marzen Lager – 16 oz. can
Pouring a darker copper color with an almost whipped-creme-like foam head comes another of the Oktoberfests I was recently gifted. There is something to this hop mix that is throwing me. Way different than your typical Reinheitsgebot standard Oktoberfests this has a slightly bready quality that is overdriven with a hoppy bitterness. While I’ve normally been turned off by such a hop-forward flavor; I really do enjoy the heft and mouthfeel of this. For me the colder I can get this, the more I would enjoy it.
Thurs., Dec. 7, 2023 – Hop Butcher Lager Beer Hall Limited Hopped Festbier Lager – 16 oz. can
Realizing my musical brother (and friend who gave me this) don’t play. Serious whipped foam head similar to Solemn, but this one pouring a bit lighter and more carbonated. Good creamy beer that exemplifies this beer style. The cold may have muted the initial hop fusion, but having a slightly multi-grain bread-y quality to it with the hops more pronounced as part of the aftertaste. The only way I can describe this (and several others in the top 10) is that this is a technicolor beer; rather than an amalgamation of quality ingredients or a legacy recipe. This drank too quickly, and hoping to luck into more of this next autumn.
Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest
Kishwaukee
Half Acre Lager Town Oktoberfest
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Oktoberfest Marzen Style Lager
Mobcraft Brewing Mobtoberfest Oktoberfest Style Lager
Founders
Eagle Park Brewing Company M.C. Hammerschlagen Oktoberfest Style Lager
Weihenstephaner Festbier
Distihl Brewery Marzen Oktoberfest
Paulaner Munchen Oktoberfest Bier
Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen
Haymarket Brewing, Fest Bier, German-Style Lager
Cobb’s Oktoberfest
Noon Whistle Brewing Co. Festbier Euro Lager – 12 oz can
Goose Island Oktoberfest, German-Style Marzen
Warsteiner Das Einzig Wahre, Oktoberfest
Pollyanna Oktoberfest
Shiner Seasonal Oktoberfest Marzen Style Beer
Lakefront Brewery, Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
Third Space Brewing Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager
Spiteful Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen Style
Sierra Nevada
Victory Festbier Marzen-Style Lager
Mad King Oktoberfest Lager
Solemn Oath American-Styled Marzen Lager
ODell Brewing Co, Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager
Scorched Earth Oktoberfest German Style Lager
Spaten Oktoberfest Ur Marzen
New Glarus Staghorn Oktoberfest
Sew Hop’d Oktoberfest German Style Marzen Lager
Sam Adams Oktoberfest
Bell’s
Shortfuse 1872 Oktoberfest Lager
Capital City Brewing Seasonal Oktoberfest Marzen-Styled Lager
Hofbrauhaus Freising Festbier Golden Lager
Firestone Walker Brewing Company Oaktoberfest Oak Aged Lager
Alesmith Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
Temperance Beer Co., Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
Third Space Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager
Cruz Blanca Das Bueno Oktoberfest Lager
Avery Brewing Company, The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest-Lager
Hop Butcher Lager Beer Hall Limited Hopped Festbier Lager
Old Irving Brewing Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
And your ears shall hear... 
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